"Gods, it feels great to get away from it all!" Lina stretched out in luxury on a floating chair, dipping her toes into the cool water. She took a sip of her margarita and let out a long sigh. Though, I'm half wishing Gourry was around to disturb my quiet time. I should never have ditched him in the first place. But it's not like I want the guy to follow me around until my dying day. She rolled onto her stomach and flicked at the water lazily.

"I wonder how Amelia is these days, and Zelgadiss." She voiced to no one in particular, as she was the only occupant of the pool. It's been almost a year since I've seen those two. Even after I told Amelia I was returning to my hometown for a while, she didn't even bother to write me. What nerve! And I won't hear from her now that I'm traveling again. Why didn't I just stay home?She plunged her fist into the water, sending up a small splash. "Oops, all wet now... hmm, time for a swim." She slid off the floating device and dunked her head under water. She should be getting some satisfaction out of this nice, relaxing vacation she was having. Yet, she wasn't.

"I just can't stand it! This is so boring! Isn't there anyone to bug the living daylights out of me?" She snapped as she splashed around in the water. Lina mentally noted that she may have had one margarita too many. Though, what did she care? "Xelloss even! I wouldn't mind if he annoying the heck out of me, but he's long gone... to where? Hell knows! Everyone is gone. Gourry would still be with me, had I not left him." Her eyes softened and she swam to the side of the pool and folded her arms over the edge, resting her chin. "But it was for his own good. He should make plans for himself." By those plans, she meant Sylphiel. Yes Sylphiel, the kind and gentle shrine maiden, who never once beat or put down the swordsman in any way, as Lina always had. The sorceress marveled then at his dedication to her. Even after all the times she treated him ill, he really did care for her. But she didn't love him like Sylphiel did. Gourry was the clumsy big brother who always made her own personal hardships easier to deal with, and she treasured his companionship. She wanted it now. She needed Gourry to make her feel alive. Five months without his presence, without the company of anyone familiar to her, had caused her depression that she couldn't ignore.

I told him traveling alone didn't bother me, that I could handle life on my own. So why do I feel so incomplete? Gourry, you must be with Sylphiel by now. If you aren't, I'll have to fix that. And Zel? She found a lump rising in her throat. Did you return with Amelia to Saillune? Or are you wandering on your own again? They had never resolved their feelings for each other from that one night over two years ago. That night she wanted to desperately forget. Not a word had he spoken of it, even after they met again on the venture into the unexplored regions. She supposed there had been no time to anyhow. But if he did feel something for her still, why hadn't he followed her? Did he just assume she and Gourry had become closer still? Damn fool! I still love you. Unwittingly, she found that she'd been clenching her glass the whole time and now she found it shattered, hand covered in oozing blood.

"Pardon, Miss! Miss, let me help you!"

Lina started and lifted her head to look a young man in the face. It appeared he was one of the other inn occupants. He took her by the hand that wasn't injured and helped her out of the pool. He brushed his long brown bangs from his face, exposing a pair of cool blue-grey eyes, and pulled a handkerchief from his shirt pocket. "Let me see that hand of yours... no, in fact, lets go to the inn and have that looked at by a nurse."

Lina shook her head vigorously. "No, it's okay, I can mend it myself. It's nothing. Thank you!" She ran from his side and retreated into the inn, fighting a sudden attack of giddiness.

"But Miss!"

Damn it, if Zel were human, I swear, he'd look much like him. She cringed. Oh no you don't, Lina. Don't go thinking about him anymore right now, not until you've seen to your hand. She stared down at the growing puddle of blood on the carpeted floor, suddenly becoming aware of the stinging pain the tiny shards of glass were causing, buried away in her tender flesh.

Elsewhere:

Rapid footfall echoed resonantly down the long marble hall leading to the royal gardens. The maidservant gasped for breath as she ran full out, hitching up her dress so as not to trip. She found the iron gate ajar and slipped through. "Princess! Princess Amelia!" She cried out to the young lady, who was preoccupied in a book, seated near an exquisitely carved fountain.

The Saillune Princess raised her head and cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "Isabelle? What is wrong? You look out of breath." She took her life long playmate's hand in concern.

Isabelle bent over and kneeled, clutching her chest. "Yes, I've been searching for you all over this past half hour. Your highness, there is a man come who wishes to speak with you promptly."

Amelia sat down her literature and bent down to look her in the face. "Whom? Who is this man? He gave you no name?"

Isabelle's eyes glittered. "He is Zelgadiss Greywords. The one you speak of in adoration to me almost every day!" The servant was now tugging at the suddenly immobile princess. "Amelia, make haste. I don't think he intends to stay long."

The princess escaped from her initial shock and took Isabelle by the arm. "Bring him to meet me in the library. Go!" Her voice wavered. When the servant was out of sight, Amelia bent over and held her head. Oh, I don't believe it, he's finally here, but for what reason? I don't know if I can face him right now. I look a mess. She retrieved her book and made her way determinedly to her father's reference room, pulling loose several leaves and grass blades from her dark tresses. She regretted now running about the gardens and soiling one of her best dresses. Well, what did Zelgadiss care how she looked anyhow? Yet she was a princess and had an appearance to keep up. Oh how her father would ramble on and on about her behaving is such a childish manner. She only hopped he was in a conference at the moment and not in the study.

Amelia took a long draw of breath as she opened the large doors to the library and felt a great weight lift. She was the only one present, so she could have time to prepare herself for Zelgadiss' arrival. She skipped over to the nearest table, where she sat and smoothed out her dress. Then she turned to the page in her novel where she had left off and continued on nonchalantly as if she had not a care in the world. Only she couldn't concentrate on one word of it. She sighed and untangled a ratted lock of hair.

"Your highness."

Amelia raised her head slowly, trying to suppress her rising excitement.

"May I present to you Mr. Zelgadiss Greywords." Isabelle meekly stepped to the side and departed from the room, holding back a knowing smile.

Zelgadiss nodded quietly to the woman. His eyes fell on the princess while he stood uncomfortably at the entrance. The chimera opened his mouth to speak, but was at a momentary loss for words. So he cleared his throat instead. He suddenly found he had been staring at her far too long and he also could have sworn he saw her trembling.

He has acquired a new wardrobe. She noticed right off. A hunter green high collar shirt, with a dark leather vest and pants, had replaced Zelgadiss' off-white traveling attire. He had thrown back one side of the ebony hooded cloak that covered him like a patch of midnight. Yet the same scarlet pendant he always wore, flashed in the filtered sunlight, pinned to the left side of his chest. He looks so much more handsome than I remember. She caught the glint of his steady gaze from beneath the hood.

"It has been a long while, Zelgadiss-san." Amelia broke the stifling silence in a rush of words.

"Yes." Came a flat reply. Zelgadiss swallowed hard and viewed the room around him, keeping his gaze averted from the princess.

"Zelgadiss, you are not a stranger to me. Come in and make yourself comfortable." She forced a nervous smile and unseated herself, hand held out to him.

Zelgadiss came forward a few paces and pulled back his hood, but left his mask over his face. "You will wish you had never known me after you hear what I have to say." The intonations of his voice chilled her blood.

"What do you mean? And why do you keep that horrid mask on, and in front of me?" She went to him and laid a trembling hand to his face.

"Don't." He replied softly and took her hand firmly, pushing it away. "I would suggest you sit."

Amelia bit her lip, confusion showing plainly on her delicate features. "Tell me then." She backed away and went to a large couch in the center of the library.

Zelgadiss followed slowly and stopped a yard or two away. He stood as a statue; eyes expressing a troubled mind as he fought to voice what needed to be said. In awkward silence, he began to pace, stopping in mid-stride every couple paces as if to break for a word or two. This continued for a few minutes before a very bewildered Amelia pounded her fist on the coffee table in front of her.

"Mr. Greywords! Are you forgetting I'm here? What could possibly be causing you such torment of mind? You had something to tell me, so do so! Now!" Her sudden outburst startled the man in front of her. Mr. Greywords? She had never addressed him in such a formal manner, outside of introductions.

"Amelia." He turned abruptly to face her, resting a hand on the edge of the chair beside him, regarding the princess with a burdensome gaze. "I have come to tell you that I won't be coming back. I-" His voice was strained. "I never wanted to hurt you, or lead you to believe that we ever had anything between us other than comradery and friendship. If you have thought otherwise, I had never intended it. Also, anything of a romantic nature you have imagined between us, was and is an illusion all your own."

The princess stared at him in complete shock as her body went numb. What had he just said? Did she hear correctly? Amelia's eyes fell away from Zelgadiss, her chest paining her from a forced release of breath.He doesn't love-me... He-doesn't love me? The princess fought the coldness traveling through her body as she forced to raise her face to him. "I see." She replied bitterly. Her lips stretched into a thin line as he held in front of her the wristband with the amulet she'd given him when they'd last parted ways.

"I expect now you'll want this back." He dangled the object impatiently in front of the emotionally wrought princess.

Amelia firmly took hold of his hand and pressed the article to his palm. "Keep it." She breathed. "In a token of friendship and also, something to remember me by."

Zelgadiss stepped back from her, eyes dark in sorrow. "I won't forget you. I love you Amelia, but not the way you believe me to."

The princess put her hand to her mouth as she watched him slowly back away from her like a beaten dog. "I only ask one favor of you, Zelgadiss-san, before you walk out of my life forever."

Zelgadiss met her gaze unwillingly. "And what favor would that be?"

"Kiss me. Just once. A farewell kiss." Her face grew a tad pale as she spoke.

"That would only cause more you more pain in the end, Amelia. I have caused you enough grief to last a long time." He replied haltingly. "But..." He reached out and took her hand and drew her to him. "I will leave you with this." He bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "I beg you forgive me." Zelgadiss then took his leave.

Amelia wasn't aware of his departure. She lay curled on the cushion, a growing pool of tears forming beneath her folded arms, body shaking from silent sobs.

Lina's eyes wandered around the dining area as she waited for her breakfast to arrive. She had surprisingly ordered only half of her usual allowance of food. Her friends would be shocked indeed over Lina's abrupt change of habits. She definitely had lost some of her vigor for food, cheer, and treasure seeking. Again she noted it was the companionship she missed and just couldn't go back to being on her own. Her stomach rumbled all the same as she caught sight of the breakfast buffet and wondered why she just hadn't gone for it instead of waiting for her food to come. She turned her head in the opposite direction and caught sight of a familiar person. Oh, don't tell me it's... yes it is him. She averted her eyes and folded her hands on the table, stubbornly gazing straight ahead.

The man in question was seemingly busy with his own meal, but could easily spot her from where she sat. Maybe he won't remember me. Humph, that would be very unlikely. Lina stole another glace his way and froze when he turned his head to a waiter passing by and caught sight of her. Crap! Now I've done it! No! Don't get up... please don't come around.Lina's eyebrow twitched as the gentleman left his table and made his way over. She sighed in exasperation. Gods, here he comes. But why does he have to look so much like Zelgadiss?

He took hold of the empty chair in front of her. "Do you mind if I intrude?" He flashed a warm smile at her.

Lina almost melted under his gaze. Heck yeah!The redhead's brain turned to sugar, then she mentally slapped herself into awareness. Lina snap out of it! No of course I don't want to be bothered, but you don't seem the type to take no for an answer. "No, go ahead." She replied casually. Her eyes darted around the room for a sign of her waiter. Come on, bring the food, damn it!

The young man seated himself. "How is that hand of yours?"

"It's mended just fine, thank you." She held out her palm to him, and he took her hand in wonderment.

"There isn't a scar to be found. How?" He questioned her with those cloudy blue eyes of his.

Lina laughed nervously. "Well, that's my secret."

The man regarded her with a smirk. "Mind sharing with me, Miss?"

"The name is Lina Inverse." She replied and pulled away her hand from his grasp.

"Lina," He replied. "And I am Edward Greystone."

"Edward? Well, it's been a pleasure, but?"

"Are you here on your own?"

Lina frowned. "If I am?"

"I find that a pity."

Lina felt a sudden wave of anger stirring. "Pity? Why is that?"

Edward sighed. "Oh, nothing really." He remarked quickly sensing the hint of anger behind her words.

Lina gave him a suspicious look and then saw her food being brought to her table. "I hope you'll excuse me." She regarded Mr. Greystone with a cool tone.

The man nodded and rose from his seat. "Forgive me for my intrusion."

"Forgiven." Lina said as she started into her first dish of food. When she looked up again a few minutes later, Edward Greystone was gone. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so cold towards him. Wait a minute, what am I saying? I want nothing more to do with the man.

Two days out on the road had lead Lina in the direction of Sairagg. It was her plan to visit the shrine maiden and perhaps find news of the others. Through the fence of trees ahead of her, she saw the small neighboring town come into view. May as well stop there for the night. Good a place as any. She decided to cut down the traveling time and raywinged down to the city border. Perhaps she could find time to visit the street venders before she checked in for the night. She remembered this place was known for its unique finds. Sometimes, one could get a wonderful bargain on a rare object. Lina was also was aware that many magic shops that dotted the town would pay her good money for her items she had collected along her travels. She had a nice little bundle with her at that moment. Lina's lips curled into a smile. She would make the most of this little trip.

Later that night, the sorceress lay on her stomach, organizing her earnings. Lina had come away with more than she'd hoped. This would usually make her happy, so why was she feeling even more depressed than before? "Damn it girl!" she pounded the covers. "Get over it! You'll be seeing Sylphiel very soon." She ran her hand down her face and then scooped the coins and currency into her leather pouch, returning it to her cloak.

She leaped back into the bed only to her it creak under the force of her landing. "You better not collapse on me." She smirked. "Gee, I hate talking to myself. Gourry, Amelia, Sylphiel, Zelgadiss. I need you guys; you don't know how much." She felt a tear slide down her cheek. The sorceress pulled the covers over her and blew out the candle at her nightstand. Tomorrow's a new day. Things will be a whole lot better.She had forgotten how many times now she'd repeated that phrase in her head.

"Excuse me? Could you-" Lina wandered about the streets of new Siaraag, searching for the residence of Sylphiel Nes Rahda.

"Sorry, little lady, I can't stop to chat." A plump, middle-aged man shoved his way by her.

"Thanks for your help." She muttered, eyes narrowed. "Damn it, why is everyone so impatient?" She finally stopped at a small bakery on the corner of a narrow street. "May as well grab a little something." She slipped inside and hurried to the counter.

A woman in her fifties with a darkly tanned face, engraved with many deep wrinkles, approached her all smiles. "How are you today, Miss?"

Lina smiled back. "Just fine thank you."

"What may I get for you this fine morning?"

"Do you by any chance have date loaf?" Lina inquired out of curiosity.

"Let me check; Morris!" The woman called out behind her into the kitchen. "Have we any date loaf?"

Lina cocked her eyebrows in amusement.

"What was that?" Came a snappy reply. "Elby dear, you know I can't hear you when that infernal machine causing a racket next door!"

The woman glanced over at Lina and clasped her hands together with a sigh. "He likes to blame the neighbors next to us; but his hearing just gets worse and worse. Give me a minute and I'll be right with you."

Lina held back an amused giggle and took a seat on a nearby stool, playing with a lock of her hair.

A short time later Elby returned brushing fresh flour from her hair and apron. "You are in luck. If you wait but fifteen minutes Miss, I will have a couple loaves ready."

"Oh thank you." Lina jumped up from the seat. "That's fine with me. I'll take two of them." She handed her the coins and leaned against the counter. "Ma'am?"

"Yes Miss?"

"Do you know where I can find Sylphiel Nes Rahda? She's a shrine maiden of this town."

The woman raised a hand to her face and tapped her temple. "Yes, I do know her, but honey, she isn?t here anymore."

Lina's brow furrowed. "What do you mean she isn't here?"

"Just like I said. You know, she was a really nice girl. Always a regular customer to our bakery, she and her father. I remember when she was only this high..." She lowered her hand four feet above the ground.

"But where is she then?" Lina pressed, feeling the slightest bit irked.

"Ah, Sylphiel has gone to live with her cousin in Zelfilia." The woman began.

"Elby!" Morris' gruff outburst made Lina jump. "What is wrong with this infernal eggbeater of yours?"

"Oh, if you'll excuse me." Elby disappeared into the kitchen again. Lina backed off the counter and rubbed her forehead. She was living in her town now? How long ago? That would mean she could have passed her by and never known it. But that also meant Gourry wouldn't have found her, most likely. Could he possibly have known she'd moved away? Lina didn't think it likely.

"This might have been a wasted trip, but for that little piece of crucial information." Lina muttered as she took her time, dragging her feet down a deserted pathway, back to the inn she'd seen along the way. She tore a piece off of one of the date loaves and popped it into her mouth. "So," she mused. "I have one of two choices, go back home or go on to Sailllune. Well, isn't that a tough choice? Not!" Lina voted to go home. She was closer anyhow, to Zelfilia.

Upon reaching the inn, she decided against staying the whole day and night. Why need she delay her return further? Well, she had one reason. Her sister. Yet, on her last visit, she was only graced by her presence twice. Would she be that lucky a second time? Probably not, but as long as she stuck around her father, Luna couldn't play pi�ata with her. Even so, being a Holy Knight of Ceiphied, her elder sister really didn't have all that much time to pick on her, and she also had that part-time job as a waitress. Lina suddenly laughed. She need not fear her sister as much as she did in her younger years. "It's homeward bound I go."

Back~